Red Bull are set to significantly 'gain' on McLaren in the upcoming races due to an FIA rule change, it has been claimed.
The Milton Keynes-based team struggled for pace during the opening two Grands Prix, with Max Verstappen's fourth-placed finish in the second race in China appearing to be an indication of Red Bull's true speed.
In Suzuka, he produced a dominant drive to win the Grand Prix from pole, though was only two seconds ahead of the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The exact pace of the Red Bull car is difficult to decipher, as Yuki Tsunoda finished outside the points in the second car in Suzuka and Liam Lawson did likewise in the first two races before being demoted.
Advert
Instead, the car is largely tailored to Verstappen's unique driving style, and the Dutchman's results so far are perhaps more of an indicator of driver performance rather than car performance.
But it has been claimed that the team will close the gap to McLaren in the upcoming races due to a second new FIA rule change.
Following the season-opening Australian Grand Prix - which was won by McLaren and Norris - the FIA confirmed that it would 'toughen rear wing flexibility tests' on all 10 cars.
The tests relate to the size of the slot gap - between the two sections of the wing, dubbed a 'mini-DRS section' - when significant load is applied to them.
Advert
According to Autoracer, the FIA are not targeting any team in particular, and it has not been made clear whether any car's rear wing has been forcibly changed as a result of the new regulation.
But another impending regulation could aid Red Bull.
In January 2025, the FIA sprung a surprise in announcing that it would lower the permitted level of flexibility across the front wing from the Spanish Grand Prix - the eighth race of the season - onwards.
Advert
The permitted flexibility level will be reduced from 15mm of movement to 10mm, which may force teams into changes to their cars.
Again, it is not yet clear if any teams will be affected by the regulations.
But RacingNews365 technical expert Paolo Filisetti believes that Red Bull could gain up to 1.5 tenths of a second on McLaren once the regulation is place.
The team are also set to bring in their 'first major update package' of the season to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - the sixth race of the season.
Topics: Red Bull Racing, McLaren, Formula 1
Ryan Smart